What is a timer?

What is a timer?

Use of a timer allows for the comfortable, automatic control of your electronic devices via the socket. Timers are frequently used as burglary protection. Thanks to their programmable function, the light can be switched on and off in different rooms. As a complementary effect, electronic shutters can be opened or closed at certain times in order to give the impression that someone is in the house.

How do timers work?

There are two types of timers, mechanical timers and digital ones.

Mechanical timer

In most cases, this type of timet has a rotatable ring representing a period of 24 hours - that is why it is also referred to as daily timet. Consequently, the timer switched on and off every day at the same time. Desired time settings can be made at 15-minute intervals.

Digital timer

This kind of timer is controlled by means of a computer chip, which allows for settings exact to the minute. Advantage: You can store different times for different days. Thus, the digital timer can also be used as a weekly timer.

How much do timers consume?

Power consumption of timers

A mechanical timer consumes about 1 Watt per hour. That means 24 Watt per day. A digital timer usually consumes a little bit more power. Here, the power consumption is about 2 Watt per hour. This is due to the LCD display.

Which timer?

First of all you should know for which purpose you want to use the timer in order to be able to choose the right one. Some examples are listed in the following:

For the circulation pump

For a radiator

For terrariums

For lamps

For circulation pumps, radiators and terrariums, we recommend a mechanical time switch as the focus is on the switching-on and switching-off. For lamps and shutters, however, we recommend a digital timer as you can programme different times for different days.

When is a timer switched on?

For the mechanical timer, the ring should be rotated clockwise until the arrow inside the ring points at the current time. In order to be able to set the desired time, the toggle lever on the adjustment ring has to be pushed down.

For the digital timer, there are often different models; however almost every digital timer has a “PRG button” or, alternatively, a “Set button” which can be used for easy programming. For the correct instruction, it would be best to read the individual instruction manuals of the device.

Which timer for outdoors, which one for indoors?

If you need a timer for outdoors, e.g. for the garden, the terrace or the like, you should choose a switch with at least protection type IP44 (foreign body- and splash water-protected). If you want a timer for indoor use, protection type IP20 (covered) is absolutely sufficient.